Leafs Get Edged By The Devils

For the first time all season, the Maple Leafs dropped two games in a row at Air Canada Centre against two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Yesterday’s effort was much better than the 7-1 debacle on Thursday; however, the Leafs were unable to figure out a way to beat the defensively proficient Devils and their phenomenal goalie, Martin Brodeur. The Leafs never really tested Brodeur with any great scoring chances allowing him to easily record his league leading ninth shutout of the season making twenty-five saves.

After the embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Senators on Thursday, it was expected that the Leafs would have come out with a lot more energy than they did last night. They really did not show much speed or energy during last night’s game allowing the Devils to easily stifle any kind of offensive attack with their well executed trap system.

The Leafs were not very effective defensively. Many poor decisions were made in the defensive zone allowing the Devils to get bonus opportunities. Pilar and Jackman struggled last night as they looked to be fighting the puck and did not show any confidence throughout much of the game.

Ed Belfour made his return to the lineup after a three game absence with a groin injury suffered in practice last Sunday (January 4th). Belfour played very well keeping his team in the game with some very strong saves. After the game, he said that he felt pretty good which is a good sign as the Leafs really need him to be healthy to have any kind of long term success.

The Maple Leafs will take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday and then play the Flyers in a home and home series next Friday and Saturday.